Iran and US Halt Attacks Amidst Diplomatic Stalemate

Iran and the United States have paused their exchange of attacks, but no peace negotiations are currently underway, according to Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei. Baqaei stated at a weekly press conference that Tehran is not engaged in any talks with the U.S., refuting reports of Iran seeking discussions. Following three consecutive nights without American strikes on its territory, Iran has also suspended its retaliatory bombings against U.S. allied neighboring countries. Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia explained that Iran's strategy is based on response, and thus, they have halted operations as the Americans ceased their attacks. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN indicated on Sunday, November 26th, that President Donald Trump is allowing space for dialogue by interrupting the offensive, but warned that the U.S. remains prepared to attack Iran and has mobilized additional resources in the region. Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel in Asian markets on Monday, reflecting the prospect of a truce. Despite a ceasefire signed in April and a June agreement protocol aimed at lasting peace, hostilities resumed in the past two weeks due to tensions surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, vital for hydrocarbon trade. Although the U.S. President had not ruled out larger-scale attacks on Friday, a relative calm has settled after nearly two weeks of confrontations. Akraminia cautioned that if the U.S. insists on continuing the war, particularly with airstrikes, the conflict will expand further. This pause has revived hopes for resuming stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which were disrupted by the clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had previously closed the strait after hostilities resumed, following the June agreement protocol that envisioned a 60-day peace negotiation period. Iranian state TV reported that six ships attempting to cross the strait in the past 24 hours were detained. CNN, citing a Pentagon source, reported that U.S. operations against Iran are on pause after nearly five months of conflict, with plans for escalation frozen partly due to ammunition shortages, according to The New York Times. The New York Times also noted that Trump risks expanding the war, alienating Gulf allies, and impacting the global economy. Pentagon officials, however, have denied any current shortages, stating the U.S. military has sufficient resources and that those leaking such information deserve imprisonment. Trump also asserted in an interview that the U.S. possesses more than enough ammunition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Tuesday, where he is expected to urge Trump to maintain a firm stance against Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear program, which Iran claims is for civilian purposes while the U.S. and allies suspect it aims to develop nuclear weapons. Netanyahu expressed full support for Trump's efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program, stating that whether it is achieved with or without intense military conflict, the program must end.